Dead elk horn coral in Elbow Reef near Key Largo, Florida. A marine heat wave over the summer is threatening the health of the living invertebrates that serve crucial roles in oceanic ecosystems. As the Earth’s oceans warm, many coral reefs are in danger of bleaching and death. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)

By Ben Noll

A marine heat wave has formed near Florida, the Caribbean and Bahamas.

The heat wave — a large area of well-above-average water temperatures lasting for an extended period — comes after a heat dome caused air temperatures in the region to soar. Abundant sunshine and light winds allowed the surface of the ocean to warm up dramatically.

Ocean temperatures of nearly 98 degrees were recorded by a buoy in Everglades National Park last weekend, where conditions are

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